Fiat's Fab Little 500 (Fiat 500)

Torino,

While the post war boom brought the Chevy Bel Air to the U.S. and the BMW Isetta to Germany, Italy celebrated its newly mobile 1950’s boom years with the creation of the Fiat 500.  This lovable bubble like transportation for the masses was an instant hit in Italy and rapidly made its way throughout Europe and her colonies around the globe that were struggling for independence at the time.

 

The “topolino” or little mouse as it became lovingly known stirred a nation and continent and provided a freedom of movement never before experienced, it was the epitome of freedom and democracy and in many what had been so hard fought during the war.  Today the Fiat 500 has become a collectible classic, examples can be found around the world even in markets where never originally sold, and fan clubs abound.

 

Fans in Europe and beyond, but not in the U.S., have reason to celebrate, this past 4th of July Fiat released the all-new Fiat 500.  This new model has all the features of the original with all of today’s modern comforts, performance and convenience.  I have only driven one 500 but I will always remember the smile this little gem put on my face, some day I want to add this little mouse to my stable, though it may scare some of the other “horses.”

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